Seahawks sign Stephen Schilling

The Seahawks added depth to their offensive line on Thursday when the Super Bowl champions signed former San Diego Chargers and Bellevue High lineman Stephen Schilling in free agency.

On a day when the reports and rumors focused on another free agent who was visiting the Seahawks, the club signed former Bellevue High School and San Diego Chargers offensive lineman Stephen Schilling.

The addition was announced Thursday, when there were premature reports that pass-rusher Jared Allen was close to signing with the Super Bowl champions.

The 6-foot-5, 312-pound Schilling has been with the Chargers since 2011, when they selected the University of Michigan tackle in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Schilling began his rookie season on the practice squad before being added to the 53-man roster on Oct. 26. Released on Aug. 31, 2012, Schilling was re-signed on Dec. 4. Released again on Aug. 31, 2013, Schilling was re-signed on Sept. 25.

Schilling, 25, played in 18 games for the Chargers – with two starts in 2011. He became a free agent when the Chargers did not offer him a tender as a restricted free agent last month.

While at Bellevue High School, Schilling played on three state championship teams for the Wolverines.

With the Seahawks, Schilling adds depth on an offensive line that lost starting right tackle Breno Giacomini in free agency. Versatile Paul McQuistan, who has started 40 games at three positions the past three seasons, remains an unrestricted free agent.

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